Method and apparatus for securing the tail convolution of a roll

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for causing adherence of the tail end portion of a wound paper roll to underlying convolutions at and in connection with the sawing off of the rolls from logs. Operating in timed relation with the saw is a manifold which extends partway around a portion of the log in advance of the sawing operation and having means for applying spots of water or other liquid to the peripheral portion of the log. Additional means is related thereto for penetrating the external portion of the log at the spots of water or liquid to cause the liquid to enter into the log and for adherence of the convolutions during the subsequent cutting and packaging of the rolls.

United States Patent Marcalus METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING THE TAILCONVOLUTllON OF A ROLL Inventor: Robert L. Marcalus, One Market St.,East Paterson, NJ.

Filed: Nov. 1, 1971 Appl. No.: 194,244

[1.8. Cl 156/253, 156/290, 156/510 Int. Cl 13321) 31/00 Field 011Search... 156/252, 253, 307, 513, 510,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary ExaminerDouglas J.Drummond Attorney, Agent, or Firm-J. Preston Swecker. Burns, Doane,Swecker and Mathis [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for causingadherence of the tail end portion of a wound paper roll to underlyingconvolutions at and in connection with the sawing off of the rolls fromlogs. Operating in timed relation with the saw is a manifold whichextends partway around a portion of the log in advance of the sawingoperation and having means for applying spots of water or other liquidto the peripheral portion of the log. Additional means is relatedthereto for penetrating the external portion of the log at the spots ofwater or liquid to cause the liquid to enter into the log and foradherence of the convolutions during the subsequent cutting andpackaging of the rolls.

7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures P-Ammmrim 21m Y SHEET 1 BF 5 INVENTORATTORNEYS PMEMEB FEB I 2 I974 sum 2 or s j INVENTOR ROBE/P fl.

ATTORNEY PATENIEU FEBI 21974 SHEET 3 OF 5 ATTORNEYS Phmmimealzasn I3,791,907,

I SHEETSOFS g INVENTOR ATTORNEYS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING THETAIL CONVOLUTION OF A ROLL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to a method and apparatus for adhering an outer tail portion ofa wound roll of paper or other material to underlying convolutions ofthe roll.

In manufacturing wound rolls of papers for household use, such as rollsof toilet tissue, the paper is first wound in the form of a logcontaining a total number of convolutions to be provided in the formedrolls. The log is then cut into sections of the desired length formingthe completed rolls for use.

The last convolution is cut off from the winding strip of paper andforms a tail portion on the wound roll. The rolls are usually packagedin transparent wrappers by means of automatic packaging machines. If thetail portions of the rolls are not secured to the outer convolutions,these flare outward during the movement to the packaging machine,interfering with the packaging operation and often presenting packageswhich are unacceptable in appearance. This is undesirable both from amanufacturing standpoint and also from a merchandising standpoint byreason of producing packages that may be unsightly or insecure.

Various attempts have been made heretofore to correct this difficulty.One method has been the application of adhesive along the length of theformed log to cause adherence of the final convolution theretosubstantially at the tail end portion. Another method is to apply areasof adhesive on the linear material in its movement to the windingstation in proper relation to the severed end thereof so as to cause thetail end portion to adhere.

These methods in use heretofore have been unsatis factory because of thecomplexity of the equipment required and also because of the difficultyin separating the tail end portion from the remaining convolutions ofthe roll when the roll is to be put into use. If adhesive is applied tothe major portion of the length of the roll, it is very difficult toseparate the tail end portion for use and this frequently results inwastage of several convolutions before usable portions can be obtained.

One object of this invention is to overcome the objections heretoforeset forth and to cause adherence of an outer tail portion of a woundroll while yet allowing for the ready separation of the tail portionwhen the roll is to be put into use.

Another object of the invention is to utilize water or other liquidrather than adhesive for causing adherence of the tail portion of awound roll and preferably in such relation as to penetrate severalconvolutions thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to apply the adhering means tothe tail portion of the formed roll and cause penetration thereof intoseveral convolutions in timed relation with and adjacent to the cuttingoperation of the log.

A still further object of the invention is to combine the adhering meanswith the saw clamp so as to impart automatically the necessary adherenceto the tail end portion as the log is held by the clamp preparatory tobeing sawed into roll lengths.

These objects may be accomplished, according to one embodiment of theinvention, by providing a manifold on a saw clamp to be moved therebyinto pressure relation with the periphery of a paper log delivered bythe winding machine. The manifold has provision for imparting a desirednumber of jets of water or other liquid directly to the periphery of theformed log perferably at or adjacent to the tail end portion thereof andmay extend circumferentially around a portion of the periphery. It ispreferable that this manifold be so located with respect to the end ofthe log that a jet of liquid be imparted to the log in position to belocated adjacent each opposite end of the formed roll. One or aplurality of jet sprays are thus applied in sequence to the log as itmoves toward the saw in step-by-step relation.

Provision may be made also for causing penetration into the periphery ofthe roll after the application of liquid thereto and in registry withthe jets of sprayed liquid to cause the latter to penetrate into severalconvolutions. These actions may be automatic, initiated by the saw clampas it is moved into clamping relation with the log prior to the actionof the saw in severing the log to form the resultant product.Appropriate controls may be utilized to impart one jet or a plurality ofjets of water or other liquid in timed relation with the closing of theclamp on the log which then must be opened before a second applicationof liquid thereto. The penetrating means also is a part of the clamp andspaced along the length of the log so as to act on the spot or spotsproduced by the jet or jets applied during the previous action. 7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS This embodiment of the invention isillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the sawing station with themovement of the logs thereto and the discharge of the formed rolls;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the logs indicating thesawing action applied thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the formed rolls;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view partly in elevation through themanifold assembly substantially on the ine 4-4 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the conveyor assembly and sawing station;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view through one of the mold clamps showingthe prong segment applied thereto;

FIG. 8 is an end elevation of the clamping section showing theapplication of the manifolds and the controls;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a view at right angles to FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a detail vertical section through one of the manifold andcontrol assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS I have shown in FIG. 3 a typical rollof toilet tissue, generally designated by the numeral 1 as an example ofa paper product in connection with which this invention is used. This isformed of multiple convolutions wound upon a core 2 with the outerconvolution terminating in a tail end portion, generally indicated at 3in FIG. 3. It is desirable that the tail end portion 3 be readilyseparable from the underlying convolutions when the roll is to be putinto use so as to allow ease of unwinding thereof. At the same time, itis desirable that the tail end portion 3 be retained, wound upon theunderlying convolutions during the packaging of the roll, whether it beenclosed within an individual wrapper or in multiple. Thus, movementthrough the packaging machine should be accomplished without unwindingor separation of the tail end portion 3.

This invention contemplates the adherence of the ail end portion orfinal convolution of the formed roll 1 at spaced points, indicatedgenerally at 4 in FIG. 3, which extend in rolls partway around theperiphery of the formed roll adjacent the opposite ends thereof so as tocause this section of the final convolution to adhere to the underlyingconvolutions. Nevertheless, the tail end portion 3 between the rows ofadhering points 4 remains unsecured so as to allow the fingers to beinserted under this tail end portion to lift it from the remainder ofthe roll when the latter is to be put into use.

A suitable liquid may be used for the purpose at each of the adheringpoints 4. This liquid may be water, starch or an adhesive material suchas glue if a more positive adherance is desired of the tail to theconvolution of the roll.

I have found that water is satisfactory for the purpose and will retainthe final convolution adhering to the underlying convolutions for asufficient length of time to allow the cutting operation and themovement of the formed roll through the packaging machinery. Thisadherence may be increased, however, by penetrating through the wettedspots 4 which result from the application of jets of water to theperiphery and thus allow the water to penetrate by absorption intounderlying convolutions, if desired.

The points or spots 4 may be circular in shape if a round orifice isused for discharging the adhering liquid. However, other shapes ordesigns may be employed as, for example, by varying the shape of theorifice. For example, a definite logo, design or trademark may beimparted to the surface at each of the spots 4.

The rolls 1 are formed initially as logs, generally indicated at 5 inFIGS. 1 and 2, which is then cut into the desired length at a sawingstation, indicated at 6, within which a saw 7 is operated, usually byoscillating motion to sever the log or logs at measured points from theend or ends thereof. The required sawing equipment is well known in theart.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a saw bed 8 extends to the sawingstation 6 and has troughs thereon to receive a pair oflogs 5 as theseare formed on the winding machine. A pair of logs lie side-by-side inthe troughs of the bed 8 and are adapted to be moved step-by-stepthrough the sawing station. Endless conveyors usually are employed, asindicated at 9, operating in timed relation with the oscillating motionof the saw 7 so as to advance the logs to a predetermined extent to cutthe desired length of roll from the formed log. Pusher members are shownat 10 on the chains 9 to engage the ends of the logs and force theseinto and through the sawing station. These conveyors also direct thesevered rolls out of the sawing station for discharge to the packagingmachinery. In the usual fashion, the rolls are wrapped eitherindividually or in multiples within transparent wrapping materials andthe packages are sealed and directed to cases, all by automaticmachinery.

Where the machine is constructed for receiving a pair of logsside-by-side in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, provision isusually afforded at the sawing station for clamping the end portions ofthe logs during the sawing operation. Clamping means of conventionalconstruction include fixed and movable jaws, shown at 11 and 12,respectively, in FIG. 8, adapted to receive the logs 5 therein and toclamp the end portions of the logs adjacent the saw 7. This action istimed so that the movable jaws 12 will be closed in clamping relationwith the logs during the actionof the saw 7 in severing the endportions. It is also in timed relation with the operation of theconveyors 9 whereby the latter are stopped during the sawing action andduring the closing of the movable jaws 12. The controls of theseelements are conventional and well known in the art to effect thisaction. They form no part of this invention.

Each of the movable jaws 12 is pivotally supported at 13 for swingingmotion in a vertical direction in opening and closing movements. Thesemovements are accomplished by power cylinders 14 disposed on oppositesides of the pivot 13 of each jaw for effecting, respectively, theopening and closing actions under suitable timed relation with the otherparts as described.

Mounted on one end of each clamp 12 is a control housing 15 which issecured by bolts 16 to the clamp 12 (see FIG. 11). The housing 15 has alongitudinal central bore within which is mounted a sleeve 17 extendingupwardly from the lower end of the housing in the bore to a frame 18which is secured upon the housing by bolts 19. A suitable air controlvalve is shown at 20 secured upon the frame 18 by the bolts 19, thepurpose of which will be described.

A plug 21 extends axially through the sleeve 17, with its lower endprojecting from the housing 15. An arcuate manifold 22 extends generallyconcentric with the arc of the clamp 12 and is secured to the lower endof the plug 21 by suitable mounting screws 23 (FIG. 4). The manifold 22has arcuate passageways 24 extending along the length thereof and spacedapart axially, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11. These passageways 24 areprovided with radial jet orifices 25, spaced apart along the lengththereof at a convenient distance for the discharge of jets of liquid atthe spaced points 4 in FIG. 3.

Arcuate segmental manifolds 22 may be provided also at the bottom ofeach clamp. These bottom manifold segments will be connected with thesame source of an adhering liquid as the top manifold and discharge jetssimultaneously therewith.

The outer ends of the passages 24 of each manifold are closed or sealed,and approximately midway of the length thereof these passages 24communicate with a passage 26. The passage 26 is in open communicationwith an axial passage 27 extending through the lower end of the plug 21to a transverse opening within which a plug 28 is mounted.

The plug 28 extends through a slot 29 in the sleeve 17 and through aslot 30 in the housing 15 so as to allow axial movement of the plug 21with respect to the sleeve and housing. This axial movement is limitedby a cross pin 31 (FIG. 4) mounted in the housing 15 and received in aslot 32 in a side of the plug 21.

The upper end of the plug 21 extends to the air valve 20 and opens andcloses the latter in response to vertical sliding movement of the plug21. The valve 20 is of conventional form well known in the art and neednot be described in detail. The upper end portion of the plug 21 isguided in the frame 18 by a head 33 which is in guided relation with theinterior of the frame.

A suitable source of air under pressure is indicated at 34 connectedwith the air valve and through the latter when opened to a fitting 35.The air valve extends through the fitting 35 through a connectingfitting 36 mounted on a cut-off air valve 37. The air passageway throughthe air cut-off valve 37 extends to the control head of a water controlvalve 38. The water control valve 38 is normally closed while the aircut-off valve has its passageway therethrough normally open. A source ofwater or other suitable liquid is indicated at 39, connected with thecontrol valve 38. The outlet from the water control valve 38 is to aflexible conduit 40 extending to the fitting 28. This control assembly,including the valves 37 and 38, is mounted in a convenient position,preferably somewhat elevated with respect to the machine as, forexample, on a bracket plate 41 secured upon the frame of the machine.

A flow valve assembly is indicated at 42 connected with the fitting 35and between the latter and the air control valve 37. Air from thefitting 35 is by-passed to the flow valve 42 and acts through the latterto shift the air control valve 37 to a closed position after an initialvery short opening thereof.

These several control valves and assemblies are duplicated for therespective clamps 12, as will be apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9. Thus, thedescription of one of them is sufficient for the operation of both. Acommon source of air and a common source of water may be used for bothassemblies and other fluids may be employed for the respectiveoperations.

If it be desired to perforate the outer one or more convolutions of thelog or roll either with or without the application of a jet or jets ofwater or other liquid thereto in the manner described, this may beaccomplished by inserting shoes 43 within each clamp 12, as shown inFIGS. 7, 9 and 10. Each shoe can be secured by suitable fastening meanswithin the clamp, as indicated at 44 in FIG. 7. Each shoe 43 is providedwith prongs 45 spaced along the length thereof in positions tocorrespond with the adhering points 4 in FIG. 3 and with the orificejets in FIG. 4.

The location of the shoes 43 within the clamp 12 is such that theclosing of the clamp will affect the moistened spots that were moistenedon the preceding stroke. Thus, the impression of the prongs 45 willcause the moisture which will have been applied to the outer surface ofthe log at the time of impression to penetrate several convolutions.This will increase the adhesive connection between the convolutionsduring the packaging operation and yet allow ready separation thereofwhen the roll is ready for use. The penetration by the prongs 45 willcause temporary adhesion between the convolutions even if no moisture isemployed in the operation, but it is preferred that both moisture andpenetration be used.

OPERATION The logs 5 of paper or other suitable material are deliveredto the saw bed 8 from the winding machine. A pair of logs are droppedinto the troughs of the saw bed, generally in the relation illustratedin FIG. 1 where they are aligned with the saw station 6. These logs 5are advanced step-by-step toward the saw station by the action of theendless conveyors 9 and the pushers 10 on the latter.

As each of the logs 5 is advanced into the saw station 6, it reaches oneof the clamps 11-12. The log is advanced a predetermined timed relationinto the clamp after which the latter is closed by the appropriateaction of one of the cylinders 14.

As the movable clamping head 12 is lowered into clamping relation withthe log 5, the manifold 22 will be lowered with the clamping sectioninto contact with the peripheral surface of the log. The manifold 22 issupported for vertical sliding motion as described. Thus, the contactwith the outer surface of the log will cause the manifold 22 to belifted relative to the clamping section 12. This causes the plug 21 tobe raised to the extent of sliding motion limited by the parts 31 and 32while maintaining the bearing relation about the peripheral portion ofthe log.

It is preferred that the log be located so that the end of theconvolution will form the tail end 3 and will be at one side of the login this position. Thus, the manifold 22 will extend over the upperperipheral surface of the log adjacent the tail end section.

The raising movement of the plug 21 will cause opening movement of theair valve 21 to allow air from the source of supply 24 to pass upwardthrough the pipe 46 to the fitting 35, thence through the pipe 47 to thefitting 36. At this time the passageway through the air cut-off valve 37is open so that air passes momentarily therethrough to open the watersupply valve 38. Upon the opening of the latter, a jet of water from asource 39 will pass through the water valve 38 and through the pipe 40to the fitting 28, thence through the passageways 27, 26 and 24 to thejet orifice 25. This will discharge jets of water through these orificesonto the outer convolution of the log in positions so that aftercutting, these points 4 will be located adjacent the ends of the roll,as shown in FIG. 3.

Almost immediately upon the opening of the valve 38, the air to thecontrol of this valve will by-pass through the flow valve assembly 42which will act then to close the air cut-off valve 37. This willdiscontinue the supply of air to the water control valve 38 and thelatter, being normally closed, will be closed thereby discontinuing theflow of water or other liquid to the orifices 25. In this way only amomentary jet of water or other liquid is discharged at the respectiveorifices 25, just sufficient to impart a small amount of moisture ontothe peripheral portion of the log at the points indicated at 4 in FIGS.2 and 3.

The axial movement of the log by the conveyor 9 is stopped during thesawing operation by the saw 7. The log is securely clamped during thissawing action and is held stationary. The sawing occurs between a pairof the adhesive points 4, as will be apparent from FIG. 2.

The closing of the clamp 12 upon each log serves also to penetrate theouter periphery of the log at each of the respective points 4 wheremoisture was applied by the jets 25. These points are spaced axiallyalong the log, as will be apparent from FIG. 2, so that simultaneouslymoisture will be applied and the log then moved one step further andstopped where the prongs 45 will penetrate the convolutions at themoistened areas. Then the log will advance one step further and therespective rolls will be cut off by the saw 7 between a pair of theareas 4. This serves to locate the moistened and penetrated areasadjacent opposite ends of the completed roll 1 where they are effectiveto retain the outer convolution during the packaging of the respectiverolls while allowing the tail end 3 of the outer convolution to bereadily separated with the fingers from the remainder of the roll whenit is desired to put the latter into use.

The application of water or other liquid adhesive at points around thecircumference of the respective rolls, or segment thereof, issimultaneously with the cutting of the rolls, one by one, from the log.This action is so timed that these adhering points will be in a fixed ordefinite relation to the respective ends of the rolls as they are cutfrom the log.

This provides a simple and effective way of securing the tail ends ofthe rolls during the packaging operation and yet permitting the outerconvolutions to be opened when the rolls are to be used. It eliminatesthe use of glue or other adhesives that are objectionable for variousreasons and it also makes unnecessary a long strip of adhesivethroughout the length of the log.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in oneembodiment, it is recognized that variations and changes may be madetherein without departing from the invention as set forth in the claims.

I claim:

1. A method of securing the tail convolution of a paper roll tounderlying convolutions thereof, comprising applying spots of moistureto circumferentially spaced points of the roll adjacent opposite endsthereof, and pentrating through the spots of moisture through the tailconvolution and into the underlying convolutions, the spots of moisturebeing applied in circumferentially extending rows and the penetratingbeing effected before drying of the moisture thereby absorbing moistureinto the underlying convolutions.

2. A method of securing the tail convolution of a paper roll to anunderlying convolution thereof, according to claim 1, including clampingand holding an elongated paper log, cutting the roll therefrom, andapplying the spots of moisture and penetrations while the log is heldfor cutting the roll therefrom.

3. Apparatus for making a wound roll product having a tail convolutionwith underlying convolutions comprising supporting means for holding theroll product, means for applying circumferentially spaced jets of liquidto spots on the outer surface of the tail convolution, means forperforating through the spots on the tail convolution and into theunderlying convolutions, and wherein the liquid is absorbed into theunderlying convolutions through the perforations and thereby causesadhesion between the convolutions at the opposite ends of the rollproduct while allowing separation of the tail convolution between thespots at said opposite ends.

4. Apparatus for making a wound roll product according to claim 3,wherein the jet of liquid is applied to a spot adjacent each oppositeend of the roll product.

5. Apparatus for making a wound roll product, according to claim 4,wherein the jet of liquid is water.

6. Apparatus for making a roll product according to claim 3, and whereinthe roll is made from a wound paper log, comprising clamping means forthe log, means for cutting the roll product from the log, the means forapplying liquid to the tail convolution being mounted on the clampingmeans and being operated in timed relation to the cutting means.

7. Apparatus for making a wound roll product, having a tail convolutionwith underyling convolutions, comprising supporting means for holdingthe roll product, means for applying a jet of liquid to a spot on theouter surface of the tail convolution, means for perforating through thespot on the convolution and into the underlying convolutions, thesupporting means comprising an arcuate manifold arranged to embrace thewound roll product and having longitudinally spaced jet orifices thereinand spaced circumferentially of the roll product, said manifold havingthe liquid supply means thereon for supplying liquid to the jet orificesand a shoe having prongs thereon spaced equidistant to the spacing ofthe jet orifices, and means for advancing the roll step-by-step to themoistening manifold and to the shoe for perforating through themoistened spots.

1. A method of securing the tail convolution of a paper roll tounderlying convolutions thereof, comprising applying spots of moistureto circumferentially spaced points of the roll adjacent opposite endsthereof, and pentrating through the spots of moisture through the tailconvolution and into the underlying convolutions, the spots of moisturebeing applied in circumferentially extending rows and the penetratingbeing effected before drying of the moisture thereby absorbing moistureinto the underlying convolutions.
 2. A method of securing the tailconvolution of a paper roll to an underlying convolution thereof,according to claim 1, including clamping and holding an elongated paperlog, cutting the roll therefrom, and applying the spots of moisture andpenetrations while the log is held for cutting the roll therefrom. 3.Apparatus for making a wound roll product having a tail convolution withunderlying convolutions comprising supporting means for holding the rollproduct, means for applying circumferentially spaced jets of liquid tospots on the outer surface of the tail convolution, means forperforating through the spots on the tail convolution and into theunderlying convolutions, and wherein the liquid is absorbed into theunderlying convolutions through the perforations and Thereby causesadhesion between the convolutions at the opposite ends of the rollproduct while allowing separation of the tail convolution between thespots at said opposite ends.
 4. Apparatus for making a wound rollproduct according to claim 3, wherein the jet of liquid is applied to aspot adjacent each opposite end of the roll product.
 5. Apparatus formaking a wound roll product, according to claim 4, wherein the jet ofliquid is water.
 6. Apparatus for making a roll product according toclaim 3, and wherein the roll is made from a wound paper log, comprisingclamping means for the log, means for cutting the roll product from thelog, the means for applying liquid to the tail convolution being mountedon the clamping means and being operated in timed relation to thecutting means.
 7. Apparatus for making a wound roll product, having atail convolution with underyling convolutions, comprising supportingmeans for holding the roll product, means for applying a jet of liquidto a spot on the outer surface of the tail convolution, means forperforating through the spot on the convolution and into the underlyingconvolutions, the supporting means comprising an arcuate manifoldarranged to embrace the wound roll product and having longitudinallyspaced jet orifices therein and spaced circumferentially of the rollproduct, said manifold having the liquid supply means thereon forsupplying liquid to the jet orifices and a shoe having prongs thereonspaced equidistant to the spacing of the jet orifices, and means foradvancing the roll step-by-step to the moistening manifold and to theshoe for perforating through the moistened spots.